In November, we will be electing a fresh round of politicians to represent us in Lansing. I am certainly appreciative of the months of preparation we will have to reflect on how well (or not) our current elected officials are doing, and whether they deserve to be returned to elected office.

A shining example to grade them on is Senate Bill 449. Three years ago, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards enacted a rule that reverses what has worked for 45 years in Michigan and is contrary to how all other states but one operate.

The rule will require, beginning in 2012, that all police officers (particularly part-time) must work 520 hours a year to maintain their certification.

When this idea was introduced, many police chiefs spoke out in opposition. The rule ignores local control. It ignores that many part-time officers work full-time jobs somewhere else and that many part-time officers are highly trained and experienced.

The commission forged ahead with its plan, in direct contradiction to chiefs, sheriffs and others. A large number of these chiefs banded together, forming a "STOP520" group, and turning to the legislature for a fix.

Sen. Cameron Brown listened to both sides of the issue and called hearings of the Emerging Technology and Homeland Security Committee. He took testimony and introduced Senate Bill 449. The bill is a compromise and sets the standard at 120 hours.

On June 25, 2009, the bill was voted out of the Senate and sent to the state House by a 34-0 vote. This gives an idea that this is both a bipartisan idea, as well as one that displays common sense.

In the state House, it was sent to the Judiciary Committee. What has happened since June? Nothing.

It has become more apparent, as time has dragged on, that the legislation is being intentionally held so it will die.

Accordingly, several weeks ago, I sent a letter to several representatives, as well as House Speaker Andy Dillon, asking that the legislation be moved out of committee where there can be debate on it, and a vote.

Some of the groups opposing the 520-hour rule are the Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Townships Association, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, many counties, township boards, village councils, city councils and approximately 85 police agencies.

Many think there was no need for any change.

In fact, the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency says, "It is not clear that any regular employment standard should be adopted. Law enforcement agencies have been functioning properly for many years without one. That only one state has found it necessary to implement a standard to date makes the need to do so in Michigan questionable."

Senate Bill 449 should be held up as a report card on whether or not our lawmakers are doing their jobs and representing their constituents appropriately.

Please seek out your elected state representative and ask him or her to support Senate Bill 449 and moving it to the floor of the state House for a vote.

If our elected officials, and especially our leaders within the House, choose to ignore this issue, remember it at election time.

— David Elwell is a Jackson County commissioner and Columbia Township's police chief.